Referees. It seems like such a basic component of your resume, but there is much to consider when selecting your referees.

What is their purpose?  Are they really that important? Do I have to offer referees upfront? Who should my referees be? How many should I include? When will my referees be contacted? These are questions I am asked, week in and week out and here I will answer some of these questions.

What is their purpose?
Referees are an essential component of your job search but not the only component.  They go hand in hand with the presentation of your resume, the qualifications and skills you have to offer and your performance at interview.  They are merely a piece of the puzzle the recruiter needs in order to make a decision about you. Referees are vital.  If they don’t check out, then you don’t check in (for the new job that is).

Do I have to offer referees upfront?
I encourage the inclusion of referees on a resume.  It demonstrates you have nothing to hide and are willing to offer up this personal information.  In other words, you are serious about the position.  But proceed with caution! If you don’t want your current employer to know you are moving on, then don’t include them as a referee.  And conduct a reference check on your referees!  Make sure you know what they are saying about you! Not so long ago, we were assisting one of our valued clients with Government applications, however he was only ever making it to interview stage and was then told he was unsuccessful – several times!  He finally followed up and discovered his referee was giving him a bad rap.  Yes, believe it or not this can happen!  Make sure your referees are people you trust and someone who is willing to stand by you in your career endeavours.

Who should my referees be?
Most often, people decide to put family members on their resume, but I do have a problem with this.  I am yet to call a family member or friend who says something bad about the subject.  Ensure your referees are people you have worked with and preferably someone you have directly reported to.  Recruiters will want to know about your character, your work performance, your skills and your achievements. Often this is information only a colleague can provide.  When choosing your referees make sure they are aware of their selection as your referee.  It is a good opportunity to let them know you have applied for a job and perhaps send them a copy of your newly prepared resume so they are aware of how you are promoting yourself.

How many referees should I have?
Two to three referees are all you need.  For a Government application they will usually stipulate that they require at least two and may even outline exactly what information they require.  Ensure your referees contact details are up to date and they are easily contactable, as I can guarantee no recruiter will want to chase referees.  If they are too hard to track, the recruiter may put your application in the ‘too-hard’ basket.

When will my referees be contacted?
You referees should be called once you have been selected for the position.  The conversation should go like this “Congratulations Rebecca, you have been successful in your application, on the proviso that your referees check out”.  Yes, your referees should be one of the last tests conducted in the recruitment process.  However, time and time again I see referees being contacted much earlier in the process by inexperienced recruiters who do not understand the repercussions this may have on your career.   If you don’t want your referees contacted too soon, don’t include their details. 

In summary, you are in control of this information, this is your career, so choose carefully.  Think about who, how and when you will offer up your referees.  Remember, it’s your career!

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